Bangladesh Climate & Private Sector Reporting Fellowships: A Guide for Journalists

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering a significant opportunity for journalists in Bangladesh: the 2026 Reporting Fellowships. These fellowships aim to support in-depth journalism that explores the complex relationship between climate change and Bangladesh’s private sector. This initiative is crucial because climate change impacts industries, businesses, farmers, and workers in ways that are often overlooked. The program encourages journalists to investigate how these sectors are both affected by and contribute to climate change, fostering a deeper understanding of this critical issue.

Overview: Why This Fellowship Matters

Traditionally, climate reporting in Bangladesh has focused on vulnerable coastal areas and rural communities. However, the reality is that climate change is also profoundly reshaping the nation’s private sector, from agriculture and textiles to pharmaceuticals and beyond. A 2025 World Bank study highlighted that 25 million workdays were lost in 2024 due to heat-related health issues, demonstrating a direct economic impact. Industries in Bangladesh can no longer afford to ignore their two-way relationship with climate change.

Key issues that journalists can explore include:

• Heat Stress: How rising temperatures reduce productivity in factories and impact worker well-being.
• Erratic Weather Patterns: The damage caused by unpredictable weather, such as floods and droughts, to agricultural output and supply chains.
• Environmental Degradation: The contribution of industrial activities to pollution and resource depletion.
• International Regulations: The impact of upcoming measures like the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on textile exports.
• Climate-Driven Disruptions: How changing climate conditions affect farmers, fishers, and other primary producers.
• Business Practices: The growing need for businesses to adopt climate-responsible strategies and practices.

The EJN fellowship is designed to support journalists who can shed light on these interconnected issues and highlight innovative solutions emerging within Bangladesh.

Fellowship Themes

Applicants are encouraged to propose stories that delve into various aspects of climate change and the private sector. Potential themes include, but are not limited to:

• Business Responses to Climate Change: How different industries and companies in Bangladesh are adapting to and mitigating climate impacts.
• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Rules: The influence of ESG frameworks on corporate behavior and investment decisions.
• Climate Finance: Exploring instruments like carbon markets and green bonds that fund climate action.
• New Business Opportunities: Investigating growth areas such as renewable energy, clean transportation, and sustainable agriculture.
• Artificial Intelligence and Climate: The role of AI in understanding, predicting, and addressing climate change impacts on businesses.
• Corporate Accountability: Examining instances of corporate greenwashing and the mechanisms for ensuring genuine environmental responsibility.

Proposals that offer fresh perspectives and cover underreported angles are strongly preferred by the fellowship organizers.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the 2026 Reporting Fellowships, applicants must meet specific criteria. These requirements ensure that the fellowship supports journalists with a direct connection to the issues and the local context.

• Residency: Applicants must be based in Bangladesh.
• Professional Status: The fellowship is open to individual journalists or teams, with one designated lead applicant.
• Medium of Work: Applications are welcomed from professionals working in print, online, television, radio, and other media formats. This includes both freelance journalists and those employed by established media organizations.
• Application Language: Applications can be submitted in either English or Bangla.
• AI Disclosure: Applicants must clearly disclose any use of generative artificial intelligence in their reporting process.
• Work Samples: A minimum of two published work samples demonstrating journalistic skill and experience are required.
• Editor’s Support: A letter of support from an editor is mandatory. This letter must commit to publishing the resulting story by September 30, 2026.

Fellowship Logistics and Support

The Earth Journalism Network plans to award up to 10 fellowships. Each selected fellow will receive financial support and valuable mentorship to help them produce high-quality journalistic pieces. The final reports are expected to be published by September 2026 and can be produced in either English or Bangla, with an English translation provided if necessary.

Applicants are also required to submit a risk management plan to ensure their safety during reporting. The fellowship budget can include security-related costs if they are deemed necessary for the proposed story.

Budget Requirements

A key component of the application is a detailed budget proposal. The fellowship has a maximum budget ceiling of €1500. Applications with more modest and reasonable budgets are likely to be more competitive.

The budget must be submitted as a detailed Excel file with clear justifications for each expense. It should primarily focus on reporting costs such as travel, accommodation, translation services, and safety measures. The budget should not be used for purchasing new equipment.

For freelancers, a stipend can be included, but it must not exceed 30% of the total requested budget. Applicants must also disclose any other sources of funding they may have secured for their project.

Judging Criteria

Applications will be carefully evaluated based on several factors to ensure the selection of the most promising projects. The judging panel will consider:

• Relevance: How well the proposed story aligns with the fellowship’s focus on climate change and the private sector in Bangladesh.
• Originality: The uniqueness of the story’s angle and its potential to uncover new information or perspectives.
• Reach and Impact: The potential audience size and the anticipated impact of the published story.
• Storytelling: The use of innovative storytelling techniques, including multimedia elements and data visualization.
• Feasibility: The practicality of completing the proposed reporting within the given timeframe and budget.
• Editor’s Support: The strength and commitment expressed in the editor’s letter of support.

Application Process

Interested journalists can apply for the fellowship through the EJN website. The process involves several steps:

1. Access the Application: Navigate to the “Apply Now” section on the EJN website.
2. Account Creation: Log in to an existing account or create a new one.
3. Complete the Form: Fill out the online application form accurately and thoroughly.
4. Upload Documents: Submit the required documents, including the detailed budget in Excel format, two work samples, and the signed editor support letter.
5. Submission: Ensure the application is submitted before the deadline of June 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM (Asia/Dhaka time).

It is important to note that late applications will not be considered. Successful reports must include the tagline: “This story was produced with support from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network.” EJN and its partners reserve the rights to edit, publish, broadcast, and distribute the stories produced through this fellowship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the EJN Reporting Fellowships in Bangladesh?

The fellowships aim to support in-depth journalism that examines how climate change affects and is affected by Bangladesh’s private sector.

What kind of stories are encouraged by the fellowship?

Stories exploring business responses to climate change, ESG rules, climate finance, new green business opportunities, and corporate accountability are encouraged.

Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?

Journalists based in Bangladesh, working in any media format, are eligible. Applicants need to provide work samples and a letter of support from an editor.

What is the maximum budget for a fellowship project?

The fellowship has a maximum budget of €1500, with a focus on reporting costs like travel and accommodation, and a stipend for freelancers limited to 30% of the total budget.